Facilitating user input via head-mounted display device and arm-mounted peripheral device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for performing data entry by a user includes a first electronic device configured to be attached to a person&#39;s head and including a display for viewing by the person; and a second electronic device configured to be attached to a person&#39;s forearm and used in combination with the first electronic device. The first and second electronic devices are configured for wirelessly communications with each other, at least some of the wireless communications representing user input by the person for interfacing with a user interface displayed to the person on the display of the first electronic device, whereby data entry by the person is accomplished. The first electronic device is configured to wirelessly transmit data entered by the person to a computer system for electronic storage in a non-transitory computer readable medium.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/919,477, which '477 application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/711,933, which '933 application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/473,894, which '894 application is a nonprovisional of, and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to, U.S. provisional patent application 61/884,344. The disclosure of this provisional patent application is incorporated by reference herein and is set forth in the Appendix hereto, which also is incorporated by reference herein.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for user data entry and, in particular, to methods and apparatus for recording and documenting observed data. In conjunction with data entry, aspects, features, and preferred embodiments of the present invention further relate to data retrieval.

In exemplary embodiments, methods and apparatus are used by healthcare professionals in the healthcare context for recording and documenting observed data regarding patients as healthcare service are provided to a patient, and in retrieving and viewing information as healthcare service are provided to a patient, including information from the patient's electronic healthcare record (“EHR”) as well as information from other sources including, for instance, the Internet.

Further with respect to the healthcare context, a patient conventionally receives healthcare from multiple medical and paramedical healthcare professionals over time, including by way of example, and not limitation, physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, nursing assistants, and physical therapists. The healthcare is generally provided through a series of observation-intervention interactions between each healthcare professional and the patient, and data regarding such interactions is observed and recorded by the healthcare professional in the patient's electronic healthcare record so as to provide a comprehensive record of the patient's health and the healthcare provided to the patient over time.

Such comprehensive recording and documenting of observed data by a healthcare professional has drawbacks to the extent that the time required to record and document such observed data detracts from the time that a healthcare professional otherwise could spend with patients. For example, a nurse's function is largely divided into two broad categories of activities, comprising: patient contact and professional interaction; and, chartingand medical recordkeeping. Approximately half of the time spent by nurses is dedicated to just charting and medical record keeping. This is believed to be largely due to the sequential nature of these activities, insofar as the charting and recordkeeping usually occur after the patient contact and professional interaction.

Continuing in the healthcare context, it is further noted that the emergence of the electronic healthcare record has provided a centralized location for data storage and retrieval; however, the interface efficiency between the EHR and a user such as a healthcare provider continues to be problematic. EHR input stations have slowly evolved from non-mobile counter top locations, to large rolling stations aptly called “computer on wheels” or COWs, and to handheld electronic tablets. COWs made some improvement to the mobility issues of the non-mobile counter units; however, due to tight spacing around patient beds, rooms filled with family members, chairs, tables, or other personal affects practical considerations limited their mobility. Handheld tablets have further improved mobility issues; however, for healthcare providers to be effective in their duties most must be able to keep their hands free and requiring electronic tablets to be held impedes their effectiveness. Within a patient's room, for example, a healthcare provider must find that often unavailable, cleared flat surface upon which to place the electronic tablet.

Accordingly, neither COWs nor handheld tablets are believed to address issues of: (1) truly close proximity between a data input/retrieval device and an observed object; (2) visualization of data and data entry points while simultaneously visualizing the object; (3) the ability to keep the data entry/retrieval device in close proximity without impairing the use of a user's hands; and (4) an ability to enter/retrieve data without turning away from constant focus and attention being kept on the object.

It is believed that improvements can be realized in the provision of healthcare by performing such activities in parallel rather than in series. One or more embodiments of systems, methods and apparatus in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the present invention are believed to represent such improvements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of patient care in the healthcare industry, the present invention is not limited to use only in such context, as will become apparent from the followingsummaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the present invention. Indeed, one or more embodiments of the present invention are applicable in any field requiring human observation and recording of data.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to data entry by a user. Specifically, in a first aspect, an apparatus for performing data entry by a user comprises: a first electronic device configured to be attached to a person's head and comprising a display for viewing by the person; and a second electronic device configured to be attached to a person's forearm. The second electronic device is used in combination with the first electronic device. In this respect, the first and the second electronic devices are configured to wirelessly communicate with each other, at least some of the wireless communications representing user input by the person for interfacing with a user interface displayed to the person on the display of the first electronic device, whereby data entry by the person is accomplished. The first electronic device further is configured for wireless communications with a computer system whereby data entered by the person is wirelessly transmitted to the computer system for electronic storage in a non-transitory computer readable medium.

In a feature of this aspect, the first and the second electronic devices are paired and communicate using a Bluetooth standard.

In a feature of this aspect, the observed data wirelessly transmitted to the computer system comprises healthcare information relating to a patient, and the healthcare information is stored in an electronic healthcare record of the patient.

In another aspect, an apparatus for performing data entry by a user, comprises: a first electronic device configured to be attached to a user's head and comprising a display for viewing by the user; and a second electronic device configured to be attached to a user's arm and used in combination with the first electronic device, the first and the second electronic devices being configured to wirelessly communicate with each other, at least some of the wireless communications representing user input by the user for interfacing with a user interface displayed to the user on the display of the first electronic device, whereby data entry by the user is accomplished. Furthermore, the first electronic device is configured to use the display to visually prompt a user wearing the device to enter data regarding an object of observation, interaction, or intervention by the user. The first electronic device is configured to receive from the second electronic device the data and wirelessly transmit the received data to a computer system (such as a server) over a computer network (such as an intranet or the Internet).

In another aspect, an arm-mounted electronic device for use as a wireless peripheral device comprises: (a) an attachment portion configured for attachment of the device to an arm, including a forearm, a wrist, or both; (b) a palm control portion containing circuitry and electronic components for performing functions and providing electronic capabilities of the device; and (c) an adjustable extension arm extending between and supporting the palm control portion relative to the attachment portion.

In a feature of this aspect, the attachment portion comprises straps for wrapping around or otherwise encircling the arm, including a forearm or wrist of a person.

In a feature of this aspect, the straps comprise hook-and-loop fasteners for customized attachment and adjustment to an arm.

In a feature of this aspect, the palm control portion comprises a contoured surface for generally abutting a palm of a hand when in use, and an opposite surface that is generally planar.

In a feature of this aspect, the palm control portion comprises surface areas that are touch-sensitive, whereby user input is received when a finger or thumb touches or taps a particular touch-sensitive area of the palm control portion.

In a feature of this aspect, the extension arm is retained to the attachment portion by a support that defines an opening through which the extension arm slides. In some embodiments, an end of the extension arm comprises an enlarged peripheral area that exceeds the dimensions of the opening defined by the support such that the peripheral area acts as a stop limiting the extent to which the extension arm slides relative to the support.

In a feature of this aspect, the extension arm is secured to the attachment portion and is able to swivel or rotate relative to the attachment portion for minor angular adjustment of the control portion relative to the attachment portion.

In a feature of this aspect, the palm control portion is movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the attachment portion.

In a feature of this aspect, the extension arm includes a hinge mechanism providing hinge type articulation by which the control portion can be rotated about 180 degrees, the extension arm folding back on itself from an extended, “in use” position to a folded, stowed position.

With further regard to this feature, in some embodiments the hinge mechanism is located near a base of the palm control portion, and the attachment portion includes one or more magnets that attract and retain the palm control portion to the attachment portion when the extension arm is in the folded, stowed position. Further in this respect, in some embodiments the one or more magnets serve to deactivate input controls of the palm control portion when the palm control portion is retained to the attachment portion by the one or more magnets.

In a feature of this aspect, the device further comprises an optical device configured to read dimensional optical codes, comprising for example two dimensional and three dimensional bar codes. The data read may be an identification for a patient for confirmation of a person to receive healthcare service at the time and place of service.

In a feature of this aspect, the device further comprises a wireless transceiver or wireless receiver for wireless input of data, comprisingfor example, readingan RFID tag, or readinga similar wireless electronic identification device. The data read may be identification for a patient for confirmation of a person to receive healthcare service at the time and place of service.

In a feature of this aspect, the palm control portion contains one or more application specific integrated circuits or ASICs; a non-transitory computer-readable medium; processor for executing computer-readable instructions contained in such medium; and associated computer components including a system bus and operating system; or combination thereof.

In another aspect of the invention, a head-mounted electronic device for performing data entry by a user comprises: (a) a display for viewing by the person, wherein the device is configured to use the display to visually prompt a user wearing the device to enter data regarding an object of observation, interaction, or both by the person, and wherein the device is configured to receive user input representing the data; and (b) one or more wireless communication components configured to wirelessly transmit the entered data to a computer system for electronic storage in a non-transitory computer readable medium of a computer system.

In a feature of this aspect, the object is a patient receiving healthcare service from a person wearing the device.

In a feature of this aspect, the device is paired with a hand-operated wireless peripheral input device for receiving user input from the person representing the data regarding the object of observation, interaction, or both by the person.

In another aspect, a head-mounted electronic device for performing data entry by a user comprises: (a) a display for viewing by the person, wherein the device is configured to use the display to visually prompt a user wearing the device to enter data regarding an object of observation, interaction, or both by the person, and wherein the device is configured to receive user input representing the data; and (b) one or more wireless communication components configured to wirelessly transmit the entered data to a computer system for electronic storage in a non-transitory computer readable medium of a computer system. Furthermore, the device also comprises a camera configured to capture one or more images of the object of observation or of the interaction of the person with the object, and wherein the wireless communication components are further configured to wirelessly transmit the captured one or more images to the computer system for electronic storage in a non-transitory computer readable medium of the computer system.

In a feature of this aspect, data entry is accomplished by the user being visually prompted via the display of the head-mounted device and the simultaneous data entry via the head-mounted device by verbal command during interaction with or observation of object by the user. Alternatively, data entry can be inputted manually through the arm-mounted electronic device when used in conjunction with the head-mounted device.

In a feature, text with placeholders—or option points—is displayed, and data is entered for the placeholders, either verbally through the head-mounted device, or manually through the arm-mounted electronic device, or both.

In a feature of this aspect, the device further comprises a housing containing components of the camera as well as other electronics of the device, including electronics supporting operation of the display.

In a feature of this aspect, the device further comprises eyeglasses.

In another feature, the device further comprises goggles.

In another feature, the device comprises personal protective eyewear.

In another feature, the device comprises a lens. Furthermore, the camera may be integrated into the lens.

In another feature, the camera is aligned with a line-of-sight of a person when the device is positioned on the person's head.

In another feature, the device comprises a band that extends from ear-to-ear and includes supports for positioning of the band on and relative to the person's nose.

In another feature, the device is configured to take still frame photographs.

In another feature, the device is configured to take video.

In another feature, the device is configured to take video as well as to take still frame photographs.

In another feature, a brightness of the display is adjusted according to ambient light, as sensed by the head-mounted electronic device.

In another feature, the head-mounted electronic device further comprises a rechargeable power supply; one or more wireless receivers and one or more wireless transmitters, or one or more wireless transceivers; an integrated microphone for receiving and processing the voice of the person wearing the device; a gyroscope sensor for detecting spacial orientation of the device; and an auditory communication component for providing audible communications—either through the auditory canal or bone conduction—to a person wearing the head-mounted electronic device.

In another feature, the device further comprises night vision technology for use in low light environments for digital facial recognition as well as photography and videography.

In another feature, the device comprises telecommunication capabilities—including voice and data.

In another feature, the device is configured to receive and respond to voice commands and take dictation from a person wearing the device.

In another aspect, a method for performing data entry by a user comprises using the head-mounted electronic device of a foregoing aspect and entering the data using the head-mounted electronic device in real time as the observation or interaction is occurring.

In another aspect, a method for performing data entry by a user comprises using the arm-mounted electronic device of a foregoing aspect in conjunction with the head-mounted electronic device of a foregoing aspect, and entering the data using the arm-mounted electronic device in real time as the observation or interaction is occurring.

In another aspect, a system in which users perform data entry includes each user performing data entry using the head-mounted electronic device of a foregoing aspect, and entering the data using the head-mounted electronic device in real time as the observation or interaction is occurring.

In yet another aspect, a system in which users perform data entry includes each user performing data entry using the arm-mounted electronic device of a foregoing aspect in conjunction with the head-mounted electronic device of a foregoing aspect, and entering the data usingthe arm-mounted electronic device in real time as the observation or interaction is occurring.

In features of the foregoing two aspects, the data entered by each user relates to a patient and wherein the data is saved in the patient's electronic healthcare record.

In this respect, a user preferably performs a credential verification process before data entry can be performed. Furthermore, the credential verification process comprises an identification verification process, and the identification verification process preferably comprises two-factor authentication.

Additionally, the data entry is facilitated by use of one or more protocols, which may be identified upon admission of the patient to a healthcare facility or upon diagnosis of the patient and implementation of a treatment plan.

In at least some preferred embodiments of one or more aspects of the invention, a head-mounted electronic device wirelessly receives programmed templates, protocols, stored data, and Internet-retrieved data to be displayed on the viewing screen; an arm-mounted electronic device wirelessly transmits manually-entered and bar-code-scanned data to the head-mounted device; and the head-mounted device wirelessly relays the corresponding data to a computer system for electronic storage in a non-transitory computer readable medium thereof, such as a persistent database.

In a feature of one or more of the foregoing aspects, a head-mounted electronic device is further configured to wirelessly interface with other devices that automatically acquire data, and is configured to wirelessly transmit the data from the other devices to the computer system for electronic storage in a non-transitory computer readable medium of the computer system.

In a feature of one or more of the foregoing aspects, a head-mounted electronic device is configured such that the act of inverting the device locks the device from use until a person is authenticated for data entry using the device.

Other aspects include systems in which data of a patient is acquired and stored in an electronic healthcare record of the patient in accordance with one or more of the foregoing aspects and features.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for performing user data entry comprises authenticating a first user to enter data using an apparatus for performing data entry by the first user. The apparatus comprises a head-mountable electronic display device that is configured to be attached to a user's head and that itself comprises a display for viewing by the user information displayed thereon. Furthermore, the head-mountable electronic display device is configured to receive user input by the user for interfacing with a user interface displayed to the user on the display of the head-mountable electronic display device, whereby data entry is accomplished by the user regarding an object of observation, intervention, or interaction by the user. The head-mountable electronic display device also is configured to transmit data entered by the user to a computer system over a computer network for recording in a data record.

The method further comprises, after a successful authentication of the first user to enter data using the apparatus, facilitating user data entry by the first user by: displaying, on the display of the head-mountable electronic display device, a user interface including script, the displayed script including a user-selectable placeholder representative of data to be entered regarding an object of observation, intervention, or interaction by the user; receiving a cue from the user indicating selection of the displayed user-selectable placeholder, and based thereon, receiving subsequently thereto user input representing data for which the user-selectable placeholder is representative; and transmitting the received data represented by the user input to the computer system over a computer network for recording in the data record.

In a feature of this aspect, authenticating the first user comprises a two-factor authentication process.

In a feature of this aspect, authenticating the first user comprises receiving nonverbal user input representing a password entered without use of a keyboard.

In a feature of this aspect, authenticating the first user comprises analysis of a mirror image of the first user acquired through a camera of the head-mountable electronic display device.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further comprises visually distinguishing the displayed user-selectable placeholder by causing the displayed placeholder to blink.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further comprises visually distinguishing the displayed user-selectable placeholder by displaying the placeholder in a different color from other displayed portions of the scrip.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further comprises recording the data represented by the user input in a record of a database maintained on a server. In one or more additional features in this respect: the database contains electronic healthcare records of patients, and the data represented by the user input is healthcare information of a patient; the method further comprises recording in the database, with the data represented by the user input, a timestamp and identification of the user such that data entered by the user and recorded in the database, and corresponding time and date thereof, are later accessible for audit and analysis; and combination thereof.

In a feature of this aspect, the cue from the user is a verbal cue received by the head-mountable electronic display device.

In a feature of this aspect, the cue from the user is a nonverbal cue received by the head-mountable electronic display device. In this regard, the method may further comprise monitoring eye movement of the user by the head-mountable electronic display device, and the nonverbal cue may comprise a predefined sequence of eye movements or a predefined glance.

In a feature of this aspect, the cue from the user is received via a wireless peripheral electronic device with which the head-mountable electronic display device communicates. In this regard, the method may further comprise mounting the wireless hand-operated peripheral electronic device to an arm of the user.

In a feature of this aspect, the user input is verbally received by the head-mountable electronic display device. In this regard, the user input of data that is verbally received by the head-mountable electronic display device preferably is interpreted based on the context of data that is represented by the placeholder; the method preferably further comprises providing an alert to the user by the head-mountable electronic device when the user input of data that is verbally received is unrecognized, which may be provided on the display; and a verbal pause indicates the end of the user input of data that is verbally received by the head-mountable electronic display device, which pause may be about three seconds.

In a feature of this aspect, the user input is received via a wireless hand-operated peripheral electronic device with which the head-mountable electronic display device communicates. In this regard, the method preferably further comprises mounting the wireless hand-operated peripheral electronic device to an arm of the user.

In a feature of this aspect, the database contains electronic healthcare records of patients, and the data represented by the user input is healthcare information of a patient.

In a feature of this aspect, the script is part of a protocol for performing a first task by the first user, in which task data is recorded regarding the object of observation, intervention, or interaction. In this regard, the method further preferably comprises displaying, on the head-mountable electronic display device, observations that currently need to be taken or actions that currently need to be performed in accordance with the protocol. The task also may represent a medical procedure, in which case the script may be read aloud by the user as the medical procedure is performed. The method also further may comprise changing the textual format of the displayed text by the head-mountable electronic display device as text is read aloud by the user, and the user data entry preferably is performed while performing the medical procedure.

Furthermore, the script that is displayed may reflect a current point of progress of the medical procedure, and the method further may comprise receiving user input for displayingscript reflecting an advanced point of progress of the medical procedure, or displaying script reflecting an earlier point of progress in the medical procedure, whereby a user may navigate through the script during the medical procedure.

Furthermore, the protocol preferably coordinates tasks of the first and second user so as to avoid redundant actions that are unnecessary.

In implementations in which the database contains electronic healthcare records of patients, the data represented by the user input preferably is healthcare information of a patient, and the method further comprises selecting one or more protocols upon admission of a patient; selecting one or more protocols upon diagnosis of a patient; or selecting one or more protocols upon implementing a treatment plan for a patient.

Recording the data for the task also may result in the initiation of a workflow for a subsequent task by a second user in accordance with the protocol. Moreover, the method further comprises recording in the database, with the data represented by the user input, a timestamp, and the workflow may be triggered, based in part, on the recorded timestamp.

Additionally, the protocol further may comprise an additional script for performing a task by a second user. In this respect, the method further comprises: communicating the additional script to a second head-mountable electronic display device of the second user; displaying, on a display of the second head-mountable electronic display device, a user interface including the second script, the displayed second script including a user-selectable placeholder representative of data to be entered regarding an object of observation, intervention, or interaction by the second user; receiving a cue from the second user indicating selection of the displayed user-selectable placeholder, and based thereon, receiving subsequently thereto user input of the second user representing data for which the user-selectable placeholder is representative; and transmittingthe received data represented by the user input of the second user to the computer system over a computer network for recording in the data record.

The additional script is communicated to the second head-mountable electronic display device of the second user after user data entry is performed by the first user, whereby the first task is performed by the first user before the second task is performed by the second user; or alternatively, the additional step is communicated to the second head-mountable electronic display device of the second user while the first task is performed by the first user, whereby the first task and the second task are performed in parallel.

In the implementations in which the database contains electronic healthcare records of patients, the data represented by the user input of the second user is healthcare information of a patient, whereby an electronic healthcare record is concurrently updated in real time by multiple users.

In another feature of this aspect, the method further comprises taking sequential still images of the object of observation, interaction, or intervention with a camera of the head-mountable electronic display device for documenting the observation, interaction, or intervention during performance of the task of the protocol. The method further may include recording the still images in the data record.

In another feature of this aspect, the method further comprises further comprising taking video of the object of observation, interaction, or intervention with a camera of the head-mountable electronic display device for documenting the observation, interaction, or intervention, and streaming the video from the head-mountable electronic display device during performance of the task of the protocol. The method further may include recording the video in the data record. The video further may be of the object of observation, interaction, or intervention as seen by the first user, including that which is displayed by the head-mountable

In another aspect, a method for performing user data entry comprises authenticating a first user to enter data using an apparatus for performing data entry by the first user. The apparatus comprises a head-mountable electronic display device that is configured to be attached to a user's head and that itself comprises a display for viewing by the user information displayed thereon. The apparatus further comprises a hand-operated wireless peripheral electronic device that is configured to be used in combination with the first electronic device and that itself comprises at least one user input area for receiving user input via a hand of the user.

The head-mountable electronic display device and the hand-operated wireless peripheral electronic device are configured to wirelessly communicate with each other. At least some of the wireless communications represents user input by the user for interfacing with a user interface displayed to the user on the display of the head-mountable electronic display device, whereby data entry is accomplished by the user regarding an object of observation, intervention, or interaction by the user. The head-mountable electronic display device further is configured to wirelessly transmit data entered by the user to a computer system over a computer network for recording in a data record.

The method of this aspect also further includes, after a successful authentication of the first user to enter data using the apparatus, facilitating user data entry by the first user by: displaying, on the display of the head-mountable electronic display device, a user interface including script, the displayed script including a user-selectable placeholder representative of data to be entered regarding an object of observation, intervention, or interaction by the user; receiving a cue from the user indicating selection of the displayed user-selectable placeholder, and based thereon, receivingsubsequently thereto user input representing data for which the user-selectable placeholder is representative; and transmitting the received data represented by the user input to the computer system over a computer network for recording in the data record.

In a feature of this aspect, the hand-operated wireless peripheral electronic device is configured to be attached to a user's arm.

Still other aspect and features are disclosed in the provisional patent application from which priority is claimed, which is found in the Appendix, and which is incorporated herein by reference.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention further encompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations of such aspects and features. Thus, for example, any aspect may be combined with an aforementioned feature in accordance with the present invention without requiring any other aspect or feature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a bottom plan view of an arm-mounted electronic device in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a side elevational view of the arm-mounted electronic device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a side elevational view of the arm-mounted electronic device of FIG. 1 when mounted on an arm with the hand in a finger-flexed position.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a bottom view of the arm-mounted electronic device of FIG. 1 when mounted on an arm with the thumb in a thumb-control position.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a side elevational view of the arm-mounted electronic device of FIG. 1 when mounted on an arm with the device in a stowed configuration.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a front elevational view of a head-mounted electronic device being worn by a person in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a front elevational view of another head-mounted electronic device being worn by a person in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates information that is shown on a display of a head-mounted electronic device following a verbal cue by the wearer.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a document for an exemplary protocol for a peripheral nerve block procedure, including single injection and continuous fusion.

FIG. 10 illustrates a view by a person wearing a head-mounted electronic device while performing the procedure of the protocol of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

A preferred apparatus in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention comprises a head-mounted electronic device used in combination with an arm-mounted electronic device. An exemplary arm-mounted electronic device is described below with reference to FIGS. 1-5, and an exemplary head-mounted electronic device is described below with reference to FIG. 6. Another alternative exemplary head-mounted electronic device is described below with reference to FIG. 7.

Arm-Mounted Electronic Device

With respect first to the arm-mounted electronic device, a bottom plan view of an arm-mounted electronic device 100 in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the present invention is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1, and a schematic illustration of a side elevational view thereof is provided in FIG. 2. Furthermore, a side elevational view of the arm-mounted electronic device 100 is illustrated in FIG. 3, wherein the device 100 is shown mounted on an arm with the hand in a finger-flexed position; a bottom view of the arm-mounted electronic device 100 is illustrated in FIG. 4, wherein the device 100 is shown mounted on an arm with the thumb in a thumb-control position; and a side elevational view of the device 100 is illustrated in FIG. 5, wherein the device 100 is shown mounted on an arm with the device in a stowed configuration.

As illustrated, the arm-mounted electronic device 100 comprises attachment portion 102 for attaching the device to either a forearm or a wrist of an arm; a palm control portion 104; and an adjustable extension arm 106 extending between and supporting the palm control portion 104 relative to the attachment portion 102 such that the palm control portion will rest in the palm of a hand or at the fingertips when the device 100 is used. In more detail, the attachment portion 102 preferably includes straps 108 for wrapping around or otherwise encircling a forearm and/or wrist of a person, as perhaps best shown in FIG. 3. The straps 108 may include hook-and-loop fasteners for customized attachment and adjustment to a particular forearm and/or wrist.

The control portion 104 preferably includes a contoured surface 110 for generally abutting a palm of a hand when in use. An opposite surface 112 of the control portion 104 is preferably generally planar, as perhaps best shown in FIG. 2. Areas 114 a ,114 b ,114 c ,114 d of the surface 112 preferably are touch-sensitive, whereby user input is received by the arm-mounted electronic device 100 when a finger or thumb touches or taps a particular area 114 a ,114 b ,114 c ,114 d of the surface 112. While four touch-sensitive areas are shown in FIGS. 1-2, a different number and configuration of touch-sensitive areas can be provided instead. For instance, three touch-sensitive areas 116 a ,116 b ,116 c can be provided in the device 100, as alternatively illustrated in FIG. 4. The touch-sensitive areas preferably are configured to provide tactile distinction for non-visual differentiation by touch. These areas further can be visually demarcated as part of an aesthetic appearance of the device, if desired.

In alternative embodiments, or in addition to the touch-sensitive areas, a scroll control is provided. The scroll control may be in the form of a scroll wheel, or a touch sensitive area that sense and reacts to sliding in similar manner to the scroll wheel. Such scroll control functionality and mechanisms are conventionally known and found, for example, in the mouse (PC and Mac) peripheral and in the track pad.

The extension arm 106 extends between and supports the control portion 104 relative to the attachment portion 102. In particular, the extension arm 106 preferably is retained to the attachment portion 102 by a support 118 that defines an opening through which the extension arm 106 is able to slide. An end of the extension arm 106 includes an enlarged peripheral area 120 that exceeds the dimensions of the opening defined by the support 118 such that the peripheral area 120 acts as a stop limiting the extent to which the extension arm 106 may slide through the opening defined in the support 118. Additionally, the support 118 preferably is able to swivel or rotate relative to the attachment portion 102 as illustrated at A in FIG. 1 for minor angular adjustment of the control portion 104 relative to a hand when the attachment portion is secured to a user's forearm and/or wrist, thereby providing a better fit and greater comfort during use. In particular, the palm control portion 104 is designed to be at fingertip level using the thumb for control input or palmed with fingers flexed for fingertip control input.

In view of the foregoing descriptions, it will be appreciated that the device 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 with the extension arm 106 in a partially retracted position relative to the support 118. In contrast, the device 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 with the extension arm 106 in a greater retracted position relative to the support 118. It will further be appreciated that the device 100 is usable in the retracted position as well as in the partially retracted or extended position, depending on the portion of the forearm and/or wrist to which the attachment portion 102 is secured when used.

The extension arm 106 preferably includes a hinge mechanism 124 near a base of the palm control portion 104 providing hinge type articulation by which the control portion 102 can be rotated about 180 degrees, folding back on itself from the “in use” position, as shown in FIG. 2 for example, to a “stowed” position at the point of attachment either at the wrist or forearm, as shown in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the attachment portion 102 preferably includes walls 122 a ,122 b containing one or more magnets that attract and hold the control portion 104 in the stowed position of FIG. 5. In addition to storing the palm control portion 104 out of way of the person's hands, the magnets also preferably deactivate input controls of the palm control portion 104.

In addition to the foregoing, the device 100 preferably comprises an optical device 130 for reading a bar code. The device 100 alternatively may include a wireless transceiver or receiver for reading an RFID tag or similar wireless electronic identification device. In the exemplary implementation described herein, the identification is that for a patient for confirmation of the person receiving healthcare service at the time and place of service.

The control portion 104 preferably contains circuitry and other electronic components for performing the functions and providing the electronic capabilities of the arm-mounted electronic device described herein. In this respect, the control portion 104 preferably includes circuitry such as one or more application specific integrated circuits or ASICs; a non-transitory computer-readable medium, processor for executing computer-readable instructions contained in such medium, and associated computer components including a system bus and operating system; or combination thereof.

Head-Mounted Electronic Device

The head-mounted electronic device preferably is light-weight, comfortable to wear on one's head, and allows unobtrusive communication by the person wearing the device with another person.

With reference to device 200 shown in FIG. 6, a front elevational view of the device 200 being worn by a person in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the present invention is schematically illustrated. The head-mounted electronic device 200 comprises a band 208 that extends from ear-to-ear and includes supports 210 for positioning of the band 208 on and relative to the person's nose. The head-mounted electronic device 200 also preferably comprises a display 202 providing a head-mounted display for view by the person, and a camera 204 preferably having both still frame and video capabilities. Preferably, a brightness of the display 202 is automatically adjusted according to the ambient light sensed by the head-mounted electronic device 200.

The camera 204 is aligned with the line-of-sight of the person when the device 200 is positioned on the person's head. A housing 206 contains the components of the camera 204 as well as other electronics of the device 200, including the electronics supporting operation of the display 202. Those electronics include a rechargeable power supply, such as a rechargeable source; one or more wireless receivers and one or more wireless transmitters, or one or more wireless transceivers; an integrated microphone for receiving and processing the voice of the person wearing the device 200; a gyroscope sensor for detecting spacial orientation of the device 200; and auditory communication component for providing audible communications—either through the auditory canal or bone conduction—to the person wearing the device 200 (preferably through bone conduction from the device so as not to interfere with patient communications or the use of a stethoscope while wearing the device 200). It is further contemplated that, in a low light environment, the head-mounted electronic device 200 may incorporate and utilize night vision technology for digital facial recognition as well as photography and videography.

The head-mounted electronic device alternatively may be fashioned in the form of eyeglasses or low profile goggles that serve as personal protective eyewear (PPE), as shown in FIG. 7, wherein a front elevational view of an alternative head-mounted electronic device 300 in the form of goggles being worn by a person in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the present invention is schematically illustrated. Similar to device 200, the head-mounted electronic device 300 comprises a band 308 that extends from ear-to-ear and includes supports 310 for positioning of the band 308 on and relative to the person's nose. The head-mounted electronic device 300 also preferably comprises a display 302 providing a head-mounted display for view by the person, and a camera 304. Preferably, a brightness of the display 302 is automatically adjusted according to the ambient light sensed by the head-mounted electronic device 300.

The camera 304 is aligned with the line-of-sight of the person when the device 300 is positioned on the person's head. A housing 306 contains the components of the camera 304 as well as other electronics of the device 300, including the electronics supporting operation of the display 302. Those electronics include a rechargeable power supply, such as a rechargeable source; one or more wireless receivers and one or more wireless transmitters, or one or more wireless transceivers; an integrated microphone for receiving and processing the voice of the person wearing the device 300; a gyroscope sensor for detecting spacial orientation of the device 300; and auditory communication component for providing audible communications—either through the auditory canal or bone conduction—to the person wearing the device 300 (preferably through bone conduction from the device so as not to interfere with patient communications or the use of a stethoscope while wearing the device 300). The lens 314 may be of any color, but preferably are clear for better eye-to-eye communication between the person wearing the device and the person with whom that person interacts. Furthermore, the display 302 preferably is integrated with the lens 314 in a location that is offset from a direct forward line of sight of the person wearing the device 300. It is further contemplated that, in a low light environment, the head-mounted electronic device 300 may incorporate and utilize night vision technology for digital facial recognition as well as photography and videography.

In addition to the foregoing, it is also contemplated that the head-mounted electronic device may include any sensors or other electronic components and include any capabilities that are conventionally found in an iPhone 5s, including for example, one or more accelerometers, ambient light sensing capabilities, and telecommunication capabilities—including voice and data. The head-mounted electronic device also preferably is configured to receive and respond to voice commands and take dictation from a person wearing the device.

Interaction of Arm-Mounted Electronic Device and Head-Mounted Electronic Device

In accordance with one or more aspects and features of the present invention, the arm-mounted electronic device is used to interface with and control the head-mounted electronic device. In this respect, the arm-mounted electronic device preferably includes a wireless receiver and transmitter, or transceiver, for two-way communications with the head-mounted electronic device whereby the arm-mounted electronic device serves as a peripheral for user input for the head-mounted electronic device. For example, a Bluetooth communications link can be established between the arm-mounted electronic device and the head-mounted electronic device, wherein touch-sensitive areas of the control portion—when touched—generate signals that are wirelessly communicated to the head-mounted electronic device as user input. Indeed, for example and by analogy, the touching or tapping once of the area 114 a shown in FIG. 1 could be equated to a single click of a right mouse button, and touching or tapping once the area 114 b shown in FIG. 1 could be equated to a single click of a left mouse button. It will be appreciated that, in this respect, the arm-mounted electronic device constitutes a hand-operated wireless peripheral device of the head-mounted electronic device.

In addition to or apart from use of the arm-mounted electronic device, it is contemplated that the head-mounted electronic device can be used to directly receive user input without the arm-mounted electronic device, and can be used to directly retrieve data without the arm-mounted electronic device such as, for example, by verbal command for retrieval of data. Indeed, such user input may be accomplished by voice; by inclusion of one or more touch-sensitive areas on the head-mounted electronic device itself, such as at one or more areas of the surface of housing 206 or housing 306; the inclusion of buttons or other controls for manual actuation; and any combination of the foregoing; however, the arm-mounted electronic device preferably is used during dialogue with a patient to facilitate more natural appearing interaction with the patient, as opposed to having to touch the head-mounted electronic device to provide user input.

Exemplary Use of Head-Mounted Electronic Device in Recording and Documenting Observed Data in Healthcare Context

It is believed that the head-mounted electronic device can be effectively and efficiently used in methods and systems for recording and documenting observed data in a healthcare context so as to achieve substantial cost and time savings over conventional methods and systems. It is believed that efficiency improvements will result from real time, simultaneous data collection and recording during the actual provision of healthcare service to a patient, thereby avoiding much of the charting and documentingthat is conventionally done after a patient is seen. Within such context, data entered by the user—in this context the healthcare provider—during a patient encounter preferably is recorded in the patient's electronic healthcare record of a conventional EHR software system.

The data entry performed by the healthcare service provider preferably is accomplished by the user being prompted in the viewingscreen of the head-mounted device for user input during the interaction, intervention, or observation of the patient by the user, and the simultaneous data entry using the head-mounted device by verbal command, manually through the arm-mounted electronic device where used, and combination thereof. A preferred embodiment of this in the healthcare context now is described.

In particular, the head-mounted device wirelessly receives programmed templates, protocols, stored data, and internet retrieved data to be displayed on the viewing screen. The arm-mounted electronic device wirelessly communicates physical user input received from the user, or sensor-acquired data such as that read from a bar code or an RFID identification device, to the head-mounted device. The head-mounted device wirelessly communicates data, including relaying data received from other devices, to the computer system for electronic storage in a non-transitory computer readable medium, e.g., a server containing a persistent database in which the electronic healthcare record of the patient is stored.

The programmed templates are partially scripted and are designed and serve to be applicable to any chosen industry and customizable within each industry application. Depending upon the protocol, the performance or accomplishment of a task may preferentially trigger a notification or command to be sent to another user for collaborative effort. In the healthcare context, a first user of a head-mounted device may perform a procedure such as, for example, the placement of a catheter for infusion of medicine. A protocol including a template for the performance of this task would then cause to be sent, upon completion of such task, a notification to a second user of a head-mounted device. In this example, the second user may be a pharmacist receiving an order for the medication to be infused. The second user would receive the notification in real time and have a running list of items pending action, alleviating the time delay of intermittently checking a remote computer.

It will further be appreciated that the system in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention in the healthcare context preferably comprises one or more computers or servers with software configured to interact with and support the head-mounted electronic device as described herein, as well as interact with such conventional software for maintaining, updating, and retrieving electronic healthcare records of patients.

Alternatively, the head-mounted electronic device may include software that directly interacts from the head-mounted electronic device with such conventional software for maintaining, updating, and retrieving electronic healthcare records of patients, much like a user entering the data through a conventional client computer of a conventional EHR system. Here the head-mounted device software interacts with the server software natively by sending and receiving conventional communications as would be sent and received form a conventional client computer, programmatically through an API of such conventional software, or combination thereof.

In still yet other contemplated alternatives, the software for maintaining, updating, and retrieving electronic healthcare records of patients is other than conventional, and such software is configured to interact with and support the head-mounted electronic device as described herein, as well as maintain, update, and retrieve electronic healthcare records of patients. For example, in such other contemplated alternatives, an EHR system natively includes software for interacting with and supporting the head-mounted electronic device.

In any event, the system preferably includes wireless communication capabilities for real time, concurrent wireless communication with the head-mounted electronic device during use by the person. The following is an example of such contemplated use of the head-mounted electronic device.

To begin, a person retrieves from a charging station and dons the head-mounted electronic device on his or her head, and retrieves from a charging station and attaches the arm-mounted electronic device to his or her preferred arm. The charging stations preferably charge rechargeable batteries of the devices, but non-rechargeable batteries may be used within contemplated embodiments of the invention.

After donning the head-mounted electronic device and attaching the arm-mounted electronic device in accordance with the currently described preferred embodiment, the person performs a credential verification process to authorize the person to enter data and, moreover, to authorize the person to enter particular types of data. In this respect, the person preferably must go through an identification verification process in order for the person to be authorized to observe and document healthcare information regarding the patient and, depending upon the role of the user, the user may be limited to entering only certain types of healthcare data. Preferably, two-factor authentication is used, including combination of biological and/or non-biological identifications. Once a person's identity is verified, all observed and documented data by that person is attributed to that person for later auditing and accountability purposes. Timestamps, including date and time, preferably also are associated with the observed and documented data, as discussed further herein below.

As an example of a non-biological authentication, the person wearing the head-mounted electronic device enters an identifier of an authorized person and a password associated with the authorized person. The password preferably is entered using the display of the head-mounted electronic device, which preferably enables a person to scroll through and select, using the arm-mounted electronic device, a series of letters, numbers, and symbols constituting the password. Preferably, voice is not used in providing a password for security purposes; furthermore, using the head-mounted electronic device in conjunction with the arm-mounted electronic device eliminates the risk of keystroke visualization by an observer.

As another example, authentication using biologic identification may include facial recognition using a mirror, hand recognition, or voice recognition, among others. Voice recognition, for instance, preferably starts with a unique system generated sentence, phrase or word that is displayed to the suspect person wearing the head-mounted electronic device for reciting.

Upon being presented with the system-generated sentence, phrase or word, the suspect person then reads the displayed sentence or phrase aloud, and the system analyzes the tone and speech pattern against known tone and speech patterns of the person purported to be wearing the head-mounted electronic device. Using a unique, system generated phrase or sentence for voice analysis adds security by eliminating universal commands that can be generated or replicated fraudulently. Once a person's identity is verified, all observed and documented data is credited to the person. Timestamps, including date and time, preferably also are associated with the observed and documented data.

Next the subject must be identified that will be the subject or object of the observation and data gathering. Depending upon the context of use, the level of object identification will vary. For example, in the context of a permanent industrial site, object verification may be pre-authorized unless the data entry is determined to be offsite using geofencing based on GPS boundaries. In contrast, in the healthcare context the subject is the patient, and preferably two forms of identification are used to identify and authenticate the patient before any data is recorded or documented. Any combination of non-biological and/or biological identifiers can be used.

For example, a patient's wristband generally will include, among other things, a machine-readable bar code representing a patient ID. In this scenario, a patient's wristband can be scanned using the optical reader of the arm-mounted electronic device, with the data read therefrom being communicated to the head-mounted electronic device and then communicated to the system for identification. In response, a resulting identification of a patient then preferably is communicated back to the head-mounted electronic device for reference.

Facial recognition of the patient then can be used to authenticate the identification. In this regard, the camera of the head-mounted electronic device takes an image of the face of the patient and communicates the image to the system, and an identification is communicated back to the head-mounted electronic device for reference. When the head-mounted device is used with the arm-mounted device, a predefined input of the arm-mounted device preferably is used to signal the head-mounted device to perform the facial recognition authentication process. The identification communicated back to the head-mounted electronic device for reference may comprise a name or patient identifier corresponding to a reference image matching the captured image, or an indication of whether the image sent corresponds to a reference image as identified by a first identification of the patient, such as by the patient ID read from the patient wristband. A reference image—or other reference biological information—of the patient preferably is obtained during patient registration. Thus, in this example, the patient ID identifies the patient and the facial recognition process authenticates the identification of the patient. It is contemplated that facial or other anatomic identifying algorithms can be used.

After identification and authentication of the person using the head-mounted electronic device and identification and authentication of the patient, the healthcare service is rendered by the person to the patient. Preferably, the healthcare service provided is at least partially scripted insofar as notes to be taken, parameters to be monitored, frequency of monitoring, general assessment, and medication information and other information to be documented all are specified in a predefined document in the system. For example, a document for an exemplary protocol for a peripheral nerve block, includingsingle injection and continuous fusion, is schematically illustrated in FIG. 9. This information can be contained in a database or other form of data storage for ready access and use.

With respect to the exemplary protocol of FIG. 9, it will be appreciated that the “Anesthesiologist Procedure Note” contains a predefined template for use by an anesthesiologist when performing the procedure of the protocol wearing a head-mounted electronic device in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the present invention. When the template is used to create the note, certain patient healthcare data taken from the identified and authenticated patient's electronic healthcare record is prepopulated in the note, such as for example, the patient's name, age, and gender, which preferably is obtained from the patient during patient registration. This type of data is represented by the placeholders shown between the angle brackets in courier new font the template in FIG. 9.

Once populated, the information in the note is shown on the display of the head-mounted electronic device during the procedure. The person performing the procedure and wearing the head-mounted electronic device at least in some embodiments preferably reads aloud the text of the note while performing the procedure, thereby confirming the information in the note while concurrently performing the procedure. If at any time the process needs to be suspended; for example in order to respond to a question, this can be accomplished either verbally or manually. A unique, specific command not commonly used in the verbal text is employed for this purpose, and predefined manual user input received via either the arm-mounted electronic device or the head-mounted electronic acts as a device pause/resume button.

Of course, it will be appreciated that certain information will not be predefined and will be included in the note by the person providing the healthcare service. Placeholders are provided for insertion of this type of information into the note by the person providing the healthcare service while performing the service. These placeholders—or option points—are represented with “xxxx” and shown in bold and underline in the template of FIG. 9. The option points appear within the body of the text for selection choices, such as medication injected or infused, total volume injected, rate of infusion, complication, etc., and each option point will be cued and entered in real time.

Using the integrated microphone of the head-mounted electronic device, cueing of the option point for data entry preferably is prefaced by a predefined system keyword or keywords, such as for example “cue”, followed by the specific key word(s) representing the data being entered. Such predefined system keyword(s) aids the system in avoiding misinterpretation of the same word(s) used elsewhere in the protocol and/or in different context. For example, stating “cue pulse” will cue the system and the key word “pulse” will blink in the display, indicating that the system is ready to receive data representing the patient's pulse. The data will then be verbalized, for example by saying “eighty two”. A verbal pause of 3-5 seconds then preferably will close the data entry point and the parameter will stop blinking. The duration of the pause after data entry and until the entry point closes can be adjusted depending on a user's preference.

As another example, a person might say, “cue sedation scale”. The options for this parameter would then appear on the display of the head-mounted electronic device, and the person could then make a selection using a touch-sensitive input or verbal command. Accordingly, predefined options can be presented when appropriate from which a person can select the data to be entered, and where appropriate no predefined options are presented and/or data that is not predefined or part of a menu for selection can provided by the person.

It will further be appreciated that some symbols will be used as part of the displayed data and will be recognized verbally. For example, “cue blood pressure” will open the blood pressure data entry point. Example data entry then would be spoken as, “one twenty over eighty”. This entry would be represented as 120/80. This will be appreciated as an example of how the system preferably recognizes spoken symbols throughout the program in proper context based on commonly used nomenclature.

Preferably, if a voice command is not recognized, then an alert is given indicating to the user that the voice command was not recognized. Such alert may be visual, auditory, or both. An exemplary visual alert comprises a blinking light shown in the display of the head-mounted device. An exemplary audible alert comprises a specific sound earmarked for use when a voice command is not recognized. When the head-mounted device is used in conjunction with the arm-mounted device, and a voice command is not recognized by the head-mounted device, the arm-mounted device preferably is used to manually input the command thereby overcoming any shortcomings in the voice recognition technology of the head-mounted device.

Nonverbal cueing also can be provided. For example, it is contemplated that touching a touch-sensitive area of the arm-mounted electronic device or a touch-sensitive area of the head-mounted device can trigger cueing; and positioning of the head in a predefined manner, or sequence of movements of the head, while wearing the head-mounted electronic device, as detected using the integrated gyroscope, can trigger cueing. Additionally, it is contemplated that one's eye can be monitored by the head-mounted device such that looking in a direction relative to forward that is abnormal will trigger cueing, such as looking to the outside corner of one's eye socket, or looking toward one's nose. A sequence of such glances can similarly be used as a way to trigger nonverbal cueing by the wearer of the head-mounted device.

Preferably, when data is selected or otherwise entered, a timestamp is associated with the entered data. Furthermore, the identification of the person performing the manual data entry, as identified and authenticated, is recorded in association with the entered data. Such information can be used later for, among other things, auditing, performance metrics, research, discovery and evidence in litigation, and benchmarking. Additionally, when a progress note or other transcription or documentation is made, the category of the system user is recorded in addition to the identification of user and timestamp.

FIG. 10 illustrates a view by a person wearing a head-mounted electronic device while performing the procedure of the protocol of FIG. 9. As illustrated, the person reads the text while performing the procedure. In this example, the displayed text changes from italics to non-italics as the text is read, thereby prompting the person to read next the first italicized word seen. Furthermore, the head-mounted electronic device is configured to take still frame photographs and/or video as the procedure is performed and store the data as part of the patient's electronic healthcare record for later reference, if and when needed. Examples of such usage in the healthcare context include sequential photographs documenting wound healing or video by physical therapy documenting patient ability or progress. Such recordings can be taken automatically or upon command of the person wearing the head-mounted electronic device. Additionally, when the head-mounted device is used with the arm-mounted device, the arm-mounted device preferably can be used through a predefined user input to trigger execution of video and/or still photo capture.

With continuing reference to FIG.10, it will be appreciated that the display is located in the upper right-hand portion of the person's view and does not lie directly in the line-of-sight of the person; alternatively, the display could be located in the upper left-hand portion of the person's view. The display reflects that point of progress for the procedure being performed. Preferably, the user through a series of specific commands is able to advance or track back the displayed portion of the text of the note.

In some preferred embodiments, in which the text of the note is not read while performing the procedure, the option points are still cued and data entered by the person while performing the procedure. Furthermore, in the case of a sterile medical procedure, such as the one in the exemplary protocol describe above, verbal data entry is most likely preferred and the arm-mounted electronic device may not be used by the person providing the healthcare service.

It will be appreciated that the above example protocol is a specific protocol chosen by, for example, an ordering physician, and a number of healthcare professionals are involved in the protocol, namely, the anesthesiologist as well as one or more nurses, nursing assistants, and pharmacists. The portions of the protocol pertaining to each such person preferably are routed by the system to the appropriate persons and, through a head-mounted electronic device of each person, a single coherent electronic healthcare record is created in real time including all of the pertinent data observed and documented together with a consolidated, chronological ordering of the events that transpired.

For example, a timestamp corresponding to the start of the infusion preferably is recorded by the system, and used to trigger subsequent workflows. A pharmacist subsequently preferably receives notification on his or her head-mounted electronic device to prepare and deliver infusion to the patient's nurse at a predefined time before the next infusion is due. The notice is sent by the system based on the time the infusion was started, the rate of infusion, and the total volume of infusion, as recorded and documented in real time in the patient's electronic healthcare record. As an example, when 0.2% bupivacaine infusion was started at 14:10, with a total infusion volume of 250 mL and a rate of 10 mL/hr, then the system calculates that the infusion will last 25 hours, and notice is provided to the pharmacist 24 hours after the start of the infusion. In this case, notice to the pharmacist will be sent at 14:10 the following day.

The foregoing protocol is an example of one of many that can be created and implemented. Moreover, appropriate protocols preferably are selected and combined for a particular patient, such as upon admission to a hospital or upon diagnosis of a condition and implementation of a treatment plan. For example, where a patient is admitted for a total knee replacement, several protocols preferably are identified for carrying out by appropriate healthcare providers, including for example a general medical doctor, a surgeon, an anesthesiologist, nurses, nursing assistants, and a physical therapist. Furthermore, each healthcare provider will have a range of protocols to choose and apply as determined to be most appropriate for the individual patient based on the professional judgment of the provider. For example, the surgeon may choose a general surgical protocol, or an orthopedic protocol, or a more refined orthopedic protocol specifically for total knee replacement. The anesthesiologist may choose a continuous femoral nerve catheter protocol for post-operative pain control, similar to the exemplary protocol described herein with reference to FIG. 9. Protocols preferably are activated or deactivated in the system at any time by authorized persons in their professional judgments. The system further preferably coordinates tasks contained in each applied protocol so that tasks are not duplicated and redundancy is eliminated.

It will be appreciated that the data collected from each person by way of that person's head-mounted electronic device is integrated to create a coherent patient electronic healthcare record. For example, both the surgeon and anesthesiologist protocols may require nursing assistants to collect patient vital signs every three hours. The system recognizes this, eliminates redundancy, and gives a single command notification to a nursing assistant at the appropriate time for collecting the patient vitals. The system further accommodates unique task commands in addition to predefined protocols and tasks therein. For example, a physician can add an order not found in the protocol. In this respect, the physician adds the task, specifies the parameters, and identifies the category of user to carry out the task. For example, a physician may add zolpidem 10 mg to be taken by mouth at bedtime as needed for insomnia, specifying the user category as nursing. The system would thereafter alert nursing at the appropriate time of the physician's order, preferably incorporating the order and due time in the listing of patients for a responsible nurse.

User-friendly features preferably form part of each protocol design. For example, a person using a head-mounted electronic device preferably is able to view, with a simple verbal command, a list of all parameters for which data is to be entered by that person during a protocol, such as “cue main menu”, whereupon the list of such parameters appears. Preferably, the predefined system keyword(s) for cueing a particular parameter are shown in the list, preferably in bold, whereby the person may cue a selected parameter for entry of the data for the selected parameter. Furthermore, currently due parameters preferably are visually differentiated from parameters not currently due. For example, parameters currently due may appear in red and those parameters not currently due may appear in black or another color, and time urgency may be visually displayed by a slow blinking text, such as when a parameter has not been addressed thirty minutes or longer after its due time.

In another example of a user-friendly feature, definitions used in the system preferably are easily referenced with a simple voice command. For example, a person might say “cue definition sedation scale”, the result for which appears on the display 202 of the head-mounted electronic device 200. A resulting display as might be seen is shown in FIG. 8.

It is also preferred that, in at least some embodiments, a person has the option to bypass or otherwise not use the template for a procedure and, instead, enter free text.

The head-mounted electronic device also preferably is used in physician case management. In this example, a physician is able to view a list of all patients under his or her care by saying, for example, “cue my patients”, whereupon a list of patients assigned to the physician is shown on the display of the head-mounted electronic device. The listing preferably identifies each patient name and current location. Furthermore, patients with currently due parameters or issues to be addressed preferably are visually differentiated from other patients, such as for example by displaying such patients in a different color or different manner. Visual differentiation can be accomplished through color differences and/or slow blinking indicating chronology or priority.

Embodiments in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the present invention also preferably enable and provide additional functionality, including: Internet connectivity for searching and retrieval of reference information for queries to things such as medical information or to better answer patient questions; translations utilizing language translation software that recognizes a spoken language and plays back or displays the translation; and identification and warning of adverse drug interactions prior to dispensing medications.

Still further, it is contemplated that the data entered by the person may be automatically supplemented with data acquired by sensors and machines. For example, such sensors and machines preferably interface with the head-mounted electronic device for electronically communicating information to the head-mounted device, which information then is included with the data entered by the user into the electronic healthcare records of the patients. In a more general sense, such electronic data collectors preferably interface with the head-mounted electronic device and system so as to add to and make more complete the user-entered data in the patient's electronic healthcare record. Data also can be supplemented from other software systems that interface with the head-mounted device, including for example conventional medication management systems such as Pyxis and Omnicell systems.

When a person is done using the head-mounted electronic device, the device is removed and placed upside down on a surface. The act of removingand invertingthe device preferably locks the device from further use until a person is authenticated once again for use of the device. Locking of the device through removal and inversion preferably is detected by the integrated gyroscope within the device. Preferably, all persons authorized to use the device will be trained to remove and store the device in an inverted position when not in use.

In at least some embodiments, a camera of a head-mounted device is used to stream, either directly or indirectly, a line-of-sight view as seen by the wearer to a separate display device, such as a monitor. The streaming may be direct or may be indirect, such as through one or more routers, servers, the Internet, an intranet, or combination thereof. The user interface of the head-mounted device also is communicated from the head-mounted device to the separate display device. A person viewing the separate display device thereby is able to see a complete view of what the wearer of the head-mounted device sees, including the line-of-sight view of the wearer combined with a view of the user display of the head-mounted device. Indeed, FIG. 10 is representative of that which preferably would be displayed on the separate display device. It is believed that such an arrangement would be beneficial for example during training in use of the head-mounted device. The view streamed from the camera, the view of the user display, or both, further can be recorded for later viewing on a separate display device. Such recording can be used for training or tutorials. Such recording, if pertaining to an encounter with a patient, further can be stored in connection with the electronic healthcare record of the patient as part of the documentation or notes associated with the encounter.

Exemplary Use of Head-Mounted Electronic Device in a Construction Context

From the above it will be appreciated that one or more embodiments in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the present invention improve efficiency and accuracy in the healthcare context in receiving and recording data in a patient's electronic healthcare record which data is observed during a patient encounter, representing a technological solution to current inaccuracies and inefficiencies in the healthcare context. Similar applicability is found in other contexts as well. For example, improved work flow efficiency and data management are provided by one or more embodiments in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the present invention within the construction industry.

In this respect, construction projects are dependent on the accomplishment of a series of tasks that must be completed in a certain order. This interdependence of each task lends itself to the need for maximal coordination efficiency. The larger the project the more the demands to maintain efficiency increase. Large construction projects have task lists of hundreds to thousands of items. Each task, such as Earth grading, drainage, concrete, steel, electrical, plumbing, interior, finish products, etc., requires a team, materials available on-site, and work accomplished. The dynamic of accomplishing each task has a number of variables to implement and then track progress. Subsequent tasks are dependent upon the accomplishment of one or more prior tasks for smooth transition and require coordination. Large scale construction in particular has many facets that involve a multitude of subtask projects. Each subtask project, with its intricacies, must be temporally coordinated for the efficient progression of the larger project. From the perspective of the general project manager

The general project manager using embodiments of the invention will enjoy many improvements in efficiency. The project manager, as a single example of any number of possible construction users, will have the mobility needed on a construction site while being able to record and retrieve in real time data relatingto the site. The project manager utilizing the system will have the ability to check the progress status of each task currently underway. Live data feedback is inputted into the system by each subtask manager (each of whom also would use one or more preferred embodiments of the invention), such data including by way of example and not limitation, materials available on-site, initiation, stage of progress, completion, unexpected difficulties, and estimated time delays. Project parameters can be entered prior to project commencement that will be scalable to the construction needs, and set parameters can be used to calculate resource needs, event sequences, and project time-lines to completion amongst other calculations. Daily task coordination by the project manager relies upon input from a multitude of system users. Additionally, input may be derived from automated systems, such as GPS tracking, for delivery time of work site materials.

Based upon project progression, the system will pull up new menus for the project manager to initiate workflow for new phases with sufficient lead-time to seamlessly coordinate with current phases. The manager receiving data input will have a visual indicator as to the current progress of each subtask or the project as a whole relative to the estimated timeline. Indicator data can be in any of a number of representations such as graphs, bar graphs, pie charts, percentages, or color combinations. In the event of unexpected problem or delay, subtask managers will have the ability from their head-mounted devices to transmit live video to expedite communication of a situation to the project manager. The project manager will have virtually live updated data of all aspects of the project by continuous data input from multiple users.

Typically, a work day on a construction site will commence with several hours of meetings amongst the project manager and all the subtask leaders or managers. Besides the team leader's individual report and discussion of the subtask, much of the remaining time at such meetings is spent inefficiently and unproductively. Aside from special circumstances, by use of one or more embodiments of the invention, communication time required either individually or as a management team will significantly be reduced. Rather than the project manager starting his day with hours of update meetings, it is contemplated that the project manager simply verifies his credentials using the head-mounted device and, preferably, also using the arm-mounted device, as the project manager. Once initiated to the user as project manager, updated status on all aspects of the construction project would be made readily available for review by such uses, as input from all subtask managers is regularly entered into the system as work progresses. The project manager and other end users also have the option of sending electronic communications to each other.

It is further contemplated that the computer system used in the construction context is able to analyze the data and progress against that projected, and is able to produce any number of reports to include but not limited by sources of delay and cost variances. It is believed that the efficiency advantages of so using embodiments of the invention will translate into, inter alia, significant cost savings by way of decreased equipment rental expenses, shortened time spans for completion of tasks, and contract bidding advantages.

Exemplary Use of Head-Mounted Electronic Device in an Aviation Context

As another example, it is believed that applicability is further found in use of one or more embodiments in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the present invention within the airline industry. In this respect, aviation—and the airline industry in general—has many facets that involve a complex array of labor and technology intensity, critical timing, and strategic decision making. These characteristics of the industry are amenable to significant efficiency improvements with implementation of one or more such embodiments. Indeed, such embodiments can be effectively used in air-traffic control, baggage handling, national flight tracking, airline ground crew and service management. Use in air-traffic control will be now described as an example of the broad applicable use in the airline industry.

The job of an air-traffic controller is notorious for being stressful. The origins of this stress are likely rooted in the technology and data rich environment, multiple simultaneous task management, timing judgements, and profound decision consequences. The use of embodiments including the head-mounted device and, preferably, the arm-mounted device, will provide many improvements in efficiency, which is believed will result in stress reduction. For example, a user will have increased mobility while maintaining a constant simultaneous visual contact with both the subject field and real time data feedback.

For instance, it is contemplated that the air-traffic controller in charge of runway management will wear the head-mounted device and arm-mounted device. As the controller views out the control tower window, planes awaiting takeoff, as well as those on final approach for landing, are visualized. Data input on the screen displayed by the head-mounted device is conveniently located off to the side of direct line of sight. Through manual user input from the arm-mounted device, different sets of data and format screens can be selected.

The landing sequence screen, as an option, could be formatted in the following manner: a specific airport ground representation of the runways and taxiways would be profiled based on the grounds and location of the head-mounted device utilizing beacon and Bluetooth technology. Gyroscopic technology in the hand-mounted device would adjust the grounds representation base on orientation of visual gaze. The example formatted screen for landing sequence would have identified icons positioned to correspond to live positioning. Planes awaiting take-off would be positioned on the taxiway. Planes on final approach would be represented by identified icons that will progress across the screen. The icons representing planes on final approach to landing will transform as they progress across the screen. Initially the most distant icon will be small and glimmer green once for attention before remaining a solid green color. As the round icon progresses across the screen it will increase in size. At a point representing a specific time to touch-down the icon will begin to elongate in shape and change color to a slowly pulsing yellow. The elongated icon then will continue to increase in size as it progresses across the screen, with the frequency of the pulsing yellow increasing with the progression.

At another point representing time to touch-down, the icon changes to a solid red color. The red elongated icon continues to increase in size until touch-down. The transition points are based in time to touch-down to take into account variable aircraft approach speeds. Other implementations may use distance. The sequence of events for aircraft on final approach for landing as represented by the icons repeats itself with perhaps more than one icon spaced and sequencing at a time. Variation to the landing sequence would be for the first positioned plane on the taxiway to move into position for take-off.

The natural flow and progression including indicator signals removes much of the judgement decision making from the controller. The spacing and timing indicators are all calculated and set to industry standards. With the assistance of constant visual contact of both the subject field and data in a user friendly format, it is believed that both stress and human error will be reduced.

The system can utilize data input from any number of sources and transform such input into a more user friendly format that is readily available to the user while simultaneously keeping constant view of the live subject matter in a manner that is mobile with the user.

Exemplary Use of Head-Mounted Electronic Device in a Power Plant

The foregoing are contemplated examples, and other context of use exist of one or more embodiments in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the present invention. Indeed, continuous radioactivity sensors may provide input to a head-mounted electronic device worn by a power plant manager as part of an integrated daily record that is electronically kept for checks and monitoring activities performed by the plant manager at a power plant.

Benefits

In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that a person using one or more embodiments in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the present invention is able to perform and interact in his or her work environment as normal while seamlessly interfacing with a data entry and retrieval system. Use of one or more of these embodiments introduces additional knowledge, enhances interaction, and provides an enriched data record, as well as improves security, accuracy, and timeliness in data observation, documentation, and retrieval. Furthermore, user input of data can be tracked by user and chronology, thereby providing increased accountability, and quality assurance measures can be followed by user specific reports detailing tasks not performed or not performed within an acceptable time frame.

Indeed, the following advantages and benefits—to name only a few—are provided by one or more embodiments in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the present invention: quick data retrieval; quick retrieval of reference information; timely language translations; construction and/or updating of a data record in real time by a user, or by multiple users acting in series, parallel, and combination thereof, such as for example an integrated patient electronic healthcare; verification of qualifications for users with respect to specific types or fields of data that is entered; and positive identification of the subject or object to which pertains the entered data.

It will be further appreciated that a head-mounted device that preferably is used with an arm-mounted device in at least some embodiments further serves as a task organizational tool; that the head-mounted device allows visual recognition of data and data entry points without the mobility limitations of conventional data entry apparatus as identified above; that the head-mounted device allows for verbal input of data without the mobility limitations of conventional data entry apparatus as identified above; that the arm-mounted device allows for manual input of data without the mobility limitations of conventional data entry apparatus as identified above; that the arm-mounted device allows for RFID input of data without the mobility limitations of conventional data entry apparatus as identified above; that the arm-mounted device allows for dimensional optical code entry without the mobility limitations of conventional data entry apparatus as identified above; that the head-mounted device allows for verbal retrieval of data without the mobility limitations of conventional data retrieval apparatus as identified above; and that the arm-mounted device allows for manual retrieval of data without the mobility limitations of conventional data retrieval apparatus as identified above.

Improved efficiency of data entry and retrieval further is achieved through the simultaneously accomplishment of more than one task or portions thereof, including for example: observation and recording; subject interaction and recording; subject interaction, observation, and recording; observation and data retrieval; subject interaction and data retrieval; and subject interaction, observation, and data retrieval.

It further is believed that improved safety and improved cost-effectiveness is achieved through improved efficiency in the delivery of healthcare in the healthcare context, as well as improved quality of healthcare delivery through closer proximity between the patient and the point of data entry and/or retrieval.

It is further believed that neither the undivided attention on the patient by direct visualization during data entry and/or retrieval provided herein, nor the time and spatial advantage for multiple user interfacing in real-time, can be underemphasized. Similarly, the greater level of security provided by the higher level of patient identification over conventional methods in the delivery of healthcare is believed to be significant.

Also seen as important advantages of one or more embodiments are the use of the arm-mounted electronic device to overcome any voice recognition technology shortcomings of the head-mounted device; inquiry of reference material such as, for example, medical definitions and drug interactions in the healthcare context without the conventional limitations at the immediate proximity of healthcare delivery and virtually simultaneously with data entry/retrieval; and language translation, including both in the healthcare context and construction context, for example.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for performing data entry by a user, comprising: (a) a first electronic device configured to be attached to a user's head and comprising a display for viewing by the user; and (b) a second electronic device configured to be attached to a user's arm and used in combination with the first electronic device, the first and the second electronic devices being configured to wirelessly communicate with each other, at least some of the wireless communications representing user input by the user for interfacing with a user interface displayed to the user on the display of the first electronic device, whereby data entry by the user is accomplished; (c) wherein the first electronic device is configured to use the user interface of the display to visually prompt a user wearing the first electronic device to enter data regarding an object of observation, interaction, or both by the user; and (d) wherein the first electronic device is configured to receive from the second electronic device the data and wirelessly transmit the received data to a computer system over a computer network.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the observed data wirelessly transmitted to the computer system comprises healthcare information relating to a patient, and wherein the healthcare information is stored in an electronic healthcare record of the patient.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second electronic device comprises: (i) an attachment portion configured for attachment of the device to an arm; (ii) palm control portion containing circuitry and electronic components for performing functions and providing electronic capabilities of the device; and (iii) an adjustable extension arm extending between and supporting the palm control portion relative to the attachment portion.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the palm control portion comprises a contoured surface for generally abutting a palm of a hand when in use, and an opposite surface that is generally planar.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the contoured surface of the palm control portion comprises surface areas that are touch-sensitive, whereby user input is received when a finger or thumb touches or taps a particular touch-sensitive area.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the extension arm is retained to the attachment portion by a support that defines an opening through which the extension arm slides.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein an end of the extension arm comprises an enlarged peripheral area that exceeds the dimensions of the opening defined by the support such that the peripheral area acts as a stop limiting the extent to which the extension arm slides relative to the support.
 8. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the extension arm is secured to the attachment portion and able to swivel or rotate relative to the attachment portion for minor angular adjustment of the control portion relative to the attachment portion.
 9. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the palm control portion is movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the attachment portion.
 10. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the extension arm includes a hinge mechanism providing hinge type articulation by which the control portion can be rotated about 180 degrees, the extension arm folding back on itself from an extended, “in use” position to a folded, stowed position.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the hinge mechanism is located near a base of the palm control portion.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the attachment portion comprises one or more magnets that attract and retain the palm control portion to the attachment portion when the extension arm is in the folded, stowed position.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the one or more magnets deactivate input controls of the palm control portion when the palm control portion is retained to the attachment portion by the one or more magnets.
 14. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second electronic device comprises an optical device configured to read a bar code.
 15. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second electronic device comprises a wireless transceiver or receiver for reading a wireless electronic identification device.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first electronic device comprise a camera configured to capture one or more images of the object of observation or of the interaction of the user with the object, and wherein the wireless communication components are further configured to wirelessly transmit the captured one or more images to the computer system.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first electronic device comprises eyewear.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first electronic device comprises a rechargeable power supply; one or more wireless receivers and one or more wireless transmitters, or one or more wireless transceivers; an integrated microphone for receiving and processing the voice of the user wearing the device; a gyroscope sensor for detecting spacial orientation of the device; and an auditory communication component for providing audible communications to a user wearing the device.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first electronic device comprises telecommunication capabilities—including voice and data.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first electronic device is configured such that the act of inverting the device locks the device from use until a user is authenticated for data entry.
 21. A method for performing data entry, by a user, of data regarding an observation of, or intervention or interaction with, an object while the observation, intervention, or interaction is occurring, comprising the steps of: (a) while the observation, intervention, or interaction is occurring, (i) displaying, to the user on a display of a head-mounted electronic display device having a rechargeable power supply and mechanically attached to the user's head, a user interface including a visual prompt for the user to enter data regarding the observation, intervention, or interaction, (ii) wirelessly communicating, to the head-mounted electronic display device, by an arm-mounted peripheral electronic device having a rechargeable power supply and mechanically attached to the user's arm, a signal representing user input received from the user by the arm-mounted peripheral electronic device, and (iii) wirelessly receiving, by the head-mounted electronic display device, the signal as user input that is responsive to the visual prompt for the user to enter data regarding the observation, intervention, or interaction; and (b) wirelessly communicating, to a computer system over a computer network, by the head-mounted electronic display device, data corresponding to the responsive user input as regarding the observation, intervention, or interaction; (c) wherein the arm-mounted peripheral electronic device comprises, (i) an attachment portion by which the arm-mounted peripheral electronic device is mechanically attached to the user's arm, (ii) a palm control portion comprising a user input area at which the user input is received, and (iii) an adjustable extension arm secured to the attachment portion and extending between and supporting the palm control portion relative to the attachment portion and mechanically transitionable between, (A) an extended position spanning the user's wrist in order to support the palm control portion adjacent the user's palm, and (B) a stowed position spanning the user's wrist to support the palm control portion adjacent a user's forearm, (iv) wherein the extension arm is mechanically configured to swivel relative to the attachment portion for minor angular adjustment of the palm control portion when the extension arm is in the extended position.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the head-mounted electronic display device wirelessly transmits the data regarding the observation, intervention, or interaction as healthcare information relating to a patient for storing in an electronic healthcare record of the patient.
 23. The method of claim 21, further comprising storing the data regarding the observation, intervention, or interaction as healthcare information in an electronic healthcare record.
 24. The method of claim 21, further comprising receiving, by the arm-mounted peripheral electronic device, user input from the user when a finger or thumb of the user touches or taps a touch-sensitive area of the palm portion.
 25. The method of claim 21, further comprising retaining the extension arm of the arm-mounted peripheral electronic device to the attachment portion of the arm-mounted peripheral electronic device by a support that defines an opening through which the extension arm slides, an end of the extension arm comprising an enlarged peripheral area that exceeds the dimensions of the opening defined by the support such that the peripheral area limits the extent to which the extension arm slides relative to the support.
 26. The method of claim 21, wherein the head-mounted electronic display device comprises eyewear.
 27. The method of claim 21, wherein the head-mounted electronic display device comprises telecommunication capabilities—including voice and data capabilities.
 28. The method of claim 21, further comprising locking the head-mounted electronic display device from being used by inverting the head-mounted electronic display device.
 29. The method of claim 21, wherein one or more wireless transceivers comprise the one or more wireless receivers and one or more wireless transmitters.
 30. The method of claim 21, wherein the palm control portion of the arm-mounted peripheral electronic device comprises a plurality of touch-sensitive user input areas, each user input area having tactile characteristics by which the user input areas are differentiable by touch.
 31. The method of claim 21, wherein the palm control portion of the arm-mounted peripheral electronic device further comprises a scroll wheel by which user input is received by the arm-mounted peripheral electronic device.
 32. The method of claim 21, further comprising using an optical device of the arm-mounted peripheral electronic device to read a bar code associated with the object of the observation, intervention, or interaction.
 33. The method of claim 21, further comprising using a wireless transceiver or receiver of the arm-mounted peripheral electronic device to read a wireless electronic identification device associated with the object of the observation, intervention, or interaction for reading.
 34. The method of claim 21, further comprising capturing one or more images of the object of the observation, intervention, or interaction using a camera of the head-mounted electronic display device, and wirelessly communicating the captured one or more images to the computer system over the computer network.
 35. A method for performing data entry by a user of data regarding an observation of, or intervention or interaction with, an object while the observation, intervention, or interaction is occurring, comprising the steps of: (a) while the observation, intervention, or interaction is occurring, (i) displaying, to the user on a display of a head-mounted electronic display device having a rechargeable power supply and mechanically attached to the user's head, a user interface including a visual prompt for the user to enter data regarding the observation, intervention, or interaction, (ii) wirelessly communicating, to the head-mounted electronic display device, by an arm-mounted peripheral electronic device having a rechargeable power supply and mechanically attached to the user's arm, a signal representing user input received from the user by the arm-mounted peripheral electronic device, and (iii) wirelessly receiving, by the head-mounted electronic display device, the signal as user input that is responsive to the visual prompt for the user to enter data regarding the observation, intervention, or interaction; and (b) wirelessly communicating, to a computer system over a computer network, by the head-mounted electronic display device, data corresponding to the responsive user input as regarding the observation, intervention, or interaction; (c) wherein the arm-mounted peripheral electronic device comprises, (i) an attachment portion by which the arm-mounted peripheral electronic device is mechanically attached to the user's arm, (ii) a palm control portion comprising a user input area at which the user input is received, and (iii) an adjustable extension arm secured to the attachment portion and supporting the palm control portion, the extension arm comprising a hinge mechanism providing hinge type articulation by which the palm control portion is transitionable between being adjacent a user's palm and being adjacent a user's forearm.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the hinge mechanism is located near a base of the palm control portion.
 37. The method of claim 35, wherein the palm control portion is retained to the attachment portion by one or more magnets of the attachment portion when the palm control portion arm is adjacent a user's forearm.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the user input area of the palm control portion is deactivated by the one or more magnets when the palm control portion is retained to the attachment portion by the one or more magnets.
 39. A method for performing data entry by a user regarding an observation of, or intervention or interaction with, a patient while the observation, intervention, or interaction is occurring, comprising the steps of: (a) while the observation, intervention, or interaction is occurring, (i) displaying, to the user on a display of a head-mounted electronic display device having a rechargeable power supply and mechanically attached to the user's head, a user interface including a visual prompt for the user to enter data regarding the observation, intervention, or interaction, (ii) wirelessly communicating, to the head-mounted electronic display device, by an arm-mounted peripheral electronic device having a rechargeable power supply and mechanically attached to the user's arm, a signal representing user input received from the user by the arm-mounted peripheral electronic device, and (iii) wirelessly receiving, by the head-mounted electronic display device, the signal as user input that is responsive to the visual prompt for the user to enter data regarding the observation, intervention, or interaction; and (b) wirelessly communicating, to a computer system over a computer network, by the head-mounted electronic display device, data corresponding to the responsive user input as healthcare information relating to a patient for storing in an electronic healthcare record of the patient; (c) wherein the arm-mounted peripheral electronic device comprises, (i) an attachment portion by which the arm-mounted peripheral electronic device is mechanically attached to the user's arm, (ii) a palm control portion comprising a user input area at which the user input is received, and (iii) an extension arm secured to the attachment portion and supporting the palm control portion, wherein the extension arm is movable between a first position for supporting the palm control portion adjacent a user's palm, and a second position for supporting the palm control portion adjacent a user's forearm.
 40. The method of claim 39, further comprising storing the data as healthcare information in an electronic healthcare record.
 41. A method for performing user data entry, comprising: (a) authenticating a first user to enter data using an apparatus for performing data entry by the first user, the apparatus comprising, a head-mountable electronic display device configured to be attached to a user's head and comprising a display for viewing by the user information displayed thereon, wherein the head-mountable electronic display device is configured to receive user input by the user for interfacing with a user interface displayed to the user on the display of the head-mountable electronic display device, such that data entry is accomplished by the user regarding an object of observation, intervention, or interaction by the user, and wherein the head-mountable electronic display device is configured to transmit data entered by the user to a computer system over a computer network for recording in a data record; and (b) after a successful authentication of the first user to enter data using the apparatus, facilitating user data entry by the first user by: (i) displaying, on the display of the head-mountable electronic display device, a user interface including script, the displayed script including a user-selectable placeholder representative of data to be entered regarding an object of observation, intervention, or interaction by the user; (ii) receiving a cue from the user indicating selection of the displayed user-selectable placeholder, and based thereon, receiving subsequently thereto user input representing data for which the user-selectable placeholder is representative; and (iii) transmitting the received data represented by the user input to the computer system over a computer network for recording in the data record.
 42. The method of claim 41, wherein authenticating the first user comprises a two-factor authentication process.
 43. The method of claim 41, wherein authenticating the first user comprises receiving nonverbal user input representing a password entered without use of a keyboard.
 44. The method of claim 41, wherein authenticating the first user comprises analysis of a mirror image of the first user acquired through a camera of the head-mountable electronic display device.
 45. The method of claim 41, further comprising visually distinguishing the displayed user-selectable placeholder by causing the displayed placeholder to blink.
 46. The method of claim 41, further comprising visually distinguishing the displayed user-selectable placeholder by displaying the placeholder in a different color from other displayed portions of the scrip.
 47. The method of claim 41, further comprising recording the data represented by the user input in a record of a database maintained on a server.
 48. The method of claim 47, wherein the database contains electronic healthcare records of patients, and the data represented by the user input is healthcare information of a patient.
 49. The method of claim 47, further comprising recording in the database, with the data represented by the user input, a timestamp and identification of the user such that data entered by the user and recorded in the database, and corresponding time and date thereof, are later accessible for audit and analysis.
 50. The method of claim 41, wherein the cue from the user is a verbal cue received by the head-mountable electronic display device.
 51. The method of claim 41, wherein the cue from the user is a nonverbal cue received by the head-mountable electronic display device.
 52. The method of claim 51, further comprising monitoring eye movement of the user by the head-mountable electronic display device.
 53. The method of claim 52, wherein the nonverbal cue comprises a predefined sequence of eye movements.
 54. The method of claim 52, wherein the nonverbal cue comprises a predefined glance.
 55. The method of claim 41, wherein the cue from the user is received via a wireless peripheral electronic device with which the head-mountable electronic display device communicates.
 56. The method of claim 55, further comprising mounting the wireless hand-operated peripheral electronic device to an arm of the user.
 57. The method of claim 41, wherein the user input is verbally received by the head-mountable electronic display device.
 58. The method of claim 57, wherein the user input of data that is verbally received by the head-mountable electronic display device is interpreted based on the context of data that is represented by the placeholder.
 59. The method of claim 57, further comprising providing an alert to the user by the head-mountable electronic device when the user input of data that is verbally received is unrecognized.
 60. The method of claim 59, wherein the alert is provided on the display.
 61. The method of claim 57, wherein a verbal pause indicates the end of the user input of data that is verbally received by the head-mountable electronic display device.
 62. The method of claim 61, wherein the verbal pause is about three seconds.
 63. The method of claim 41, wherein the user input is received via a wireless hand-operated peripheral electronic device with which the head-mountable electronic display device communicates.
 64. The method of claim 63, further comprising mounting the wireless hand-operated peripheral electronic device to an arm of the user.
 65. The method of claim 41, wherein the database contains electronic healthcare records of patients, and the data represented by the user input is healthcare information of a patient.
 66. The method of claim 41, wherein the script is part of a protocol for performing a first task by the first user, in which task data is recorded regarding the object of observation, intervention, or interaction.
 67. The method of claim 66, further comprising displaying, on the head-mountable electronic display device, observations that currently need to be taken or actions that currently need to be performed in accordance with the protocol.
 68. The method of claim 66, wherein the task represents a medical procedure.
 69. The method of claim 68, wherein the script is read aloud by the user as the procedure is performed, and further comprising changing the textual format of the displayed text by the head-mountable electronic display device as text is read aloud by the user.
 70. The method of claim 68, wherein user data entry is performed while performing the medical procedure.
 71. The method of claim 68, wherein the script that is displayed reflects a current point of progress of the medical procedure, and further comprising receiving user input for displaying script reflecting an advanced point of progress of the medical procedure, or displaying script reflecting an earlier point of progress in the medical procedure, whereby a user may navigate through the script during the medical procedure.
 72. The method of claim 66, wherein the database contains electronic healthcare records of patients, and the data represented by the user input is healthcare information of a patient.
 73. The method of claim 72, further comprising selecting one or more protocols upon admission of a patient.
 74. The method of claim 72, further comprisingselecting one or more protocols upon diagnosis of a patient.
 75. The method of claim 72, further comprising selecting one or more protocols upon implementing a treatment plan for a patient.
 76. The method of claim 66, wherein recording the data for the task results in the initiation of a workflow for a subsequent task by a second user in accordance with the protocol.
 77. The method of claim 76, further comprising recording in the database, with the data represented by the user input, a timestamp, and wherein the workflow is triggered, based in part, on the recorded timestamp.
 78. The method of claim 66, wherein the protocol further comprising an additional script for performing a task by a second user, and wherein the method further comprises: (a) communicating the additional script to a second head-mountable electronic display device of the second user; (b) displaying, on a display of the second head-mountable electronic display device, a user interface including the second script, the displayed second script including a user-selectable placeholder representative of data to be entered regarding an object of observation, intervention, or interaction by the second user; (c) receiving a cue from the second user indicating selection of the displayed user-selectable placeholder, and based thereon, receiving subsequently thereto user input of the second user representing data for which the user-selectable placeholder is representative; and (d) transmitting the received data represented by the user input of the second user to the computer system over a computer network for recording in the data record.
 79. The method of claim 78, wherein the additional script is communicated to the second head-mountable electronic display device of the second user after user data entry is performed by the first user, whereby the first task is performed by the first user before the second task is performed by the second user.
 80. The method of claim 78, the additional script is communicated to the second head-mountable electronic display device of the second user while the first task is performed by the first user, whereby the first task and the second task are performed in parallel.
 81. The method of claim 80, wherein the database contains electronic healthcare records of patients, and where the data represented by the user input of the second user is healthcare information of a patient, whereby an electronic healthcare record is concurrently updated in real time by multiple users.
 82. The method of claim 78, wherein the protocol coordinates tasks of the first and second user so as to avoid redundant actions that are unnecessary.
 83. The method of claim 66, further comprising taking sequential still images of the object of observation, interaction, or intervention with a camera of the head-mountable electronic display device for documenting the observation, interaction, or intervention during performance of the task of the protocol.
 84. The method of claim 83, further comprising recording the still images in the data record.
 85. The method of claim 66, further comprising taking video of the object of observation, interaction, or intervention with a camera of the head-mountable electronic display device for documenting the observation, interaction, or intervention, and streaming the video from the head-mountable electronic display device during performance of the task of the protocol.
 86. The method of claim 85, further comprising recording the video in the data record.
 87. The method of claim 85, wherein the video is of the object of observation, interaction, or intervention as seen by the first user, including that which is displayed by the head-mountable electronic display device.
 88. A method for performing user data entry, comprising: (a) authenticating a first user to enter data using an apparatus for performing data entry by the first user, the apparatus comprising, a head-mountable electronic display device configured to be attached to a user's head and comprising a display for viewing by the user information displayed thereon; and a hand-operated wireless peripheral electronic device configured to be used in combination with the first electronic device and comprising at least one user input area for receiving user input via a hand of the user, wherein the head-mountable electronic display device and the hand-operated wireless peripheral electronic device are configured to wirelessly communicate with each other, at least some of the wireless communications representing user input by the user for interfacing with a user interface displayed to the user on the display of the head-mountable electronic display device, such that data entry is accomplished by the user regardingan object of observation, intervention, or interaction by the user, and wherein the head-mountable electronic display device is configured to wirelessly transmit data entered by the user to a computer system over a computer network for recording in a data record; and (b) after a successful authentication of the first user to enter data using the apparatus, facilitating user data entry by the first user by: (i) displaying, on the display of the head-mountable electronic display device, a user interface including script, the displayed script including a user-selectable placeholder representative of data to be entered regarding an object of observation, intervention, or interaction by the user; (ii) receiving a cue from the user indicating selection of the displayed user-selectable placeholder, and based thereon, receiving subsequently thereto user input representing data for which the user-selectable placeholder is representative; and (iii) transmitting the received data represented by the user input to the computer system over a computer network for recording in the data record.
 89. The method of claim 88, wherein the hand-operated wireless peripheral electronic device is configured to be attached to a user's arm. 